Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products

ABSTRACT

To allow viewers to easily purchase products shown in entertainment programs, the viewers call an operator terminal. The operator terminal is networked to a central controller, which is also networked to remote terminals. Remote terminal operators enter data about props used in programs, copies of which are to be offered for sale. These remote terminals transmit this data to the central controller for storage in a database. Operators at the operator terminals can access the data stored at the central controller to respond calls from viewers seeking to purchase products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and system for allowingviewers to purchase products shown on television shows. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a method and system for allowingtelevision viewers to purchase products which appear on entertainmentprogram-type television shows.

2. Description of the Related Art

Television programs dedicated solely to selling merchandise, or salesprograms, have been broadcast on television and other broadcast media.One example of such sales programs includes, “infomercials,” which areessentially lengthy paid commercials. Also, narrative televisionprograms, in which scenes that showcase products available for sale areintermittently frozen while commercial sales of those products areundertaken, have been broadcast.

In recent years, sales programs have become increasingly commonplace.This is largely attributable to the wide availability of cabletelevision, which provides access to many more channels, and thereforeprogramming choices, than would otherwise be available. Indeed, cablechannels such as the “Home Shopping Network,” are devoted solely toselling merchandise.

In addition to broadcasted television, promotional video tapes have alsobeen used to specifically sell merchandise. Automobile manufacturers,for example, distribute video tapes containing product information topotential customers.

Sales programs, however, do not constitute the most prevalent type ofprogramming. Far more widespread are programs whose primary objective isto entertain. Entertainment programs, which include such programs assoap operas, sitcoms, dramas, and sporting events, generate revenueprimarily by selling advertising time dispersed throughout broadcasts ofthe programs. Thus, while entertainment programs are supported byadvertising, the artistic contents of entertainment programs aredirected solely to entertaining viewers, and not to soliciting sales ofmerchandise as they are with sales programs.

Because entertainment programs are typically not produced with theintent of selling merchandise, a potentially lucrative source of revenuehas gone unrealized. Television viewers may find themselves interestedin purchasing products which are the same brand or design as props seenin entertainment programs. However, the demand for these products hasnot yet been satisfied. Revenue from sales of such products couldimprove the financial success of an entertainment program. Manufacturerswould pay to have their products used in popular shows. Further, theproducer could charge a fee for each product ordered that was identifiedfrom their show. This could increase revenues as well as lessen theprogram's dependency on advertising. As a result, products couldexperience greater freedom of artistic content, increasing the varietyof entertainment programs available to the public.

Present sales mechanisms are not effective for selling products that arerelated to entertainment programs. For example, while catalogs arepresently used to sell souvenir merchandise such as t-shirts and coffeemugs, they do not sell products similar to television props. Forexample, a program viewer cannot buy the Armani suit that Frasier waswearing on the Jun. 30, 1996 episode. These products gain much appealfrom their association with the program actors. The present inventionprovides viewers with a sense of immediate gratification through makingthe products readily available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems consistent with the present invention allow viewers of anentertainment program to purchase products used in the program.Information about products is stored in databases that can be accessedby operators based on viewer supplied information.

To achieve these and other advantages, a product sales system consistentwith the present invention comprises a system for allowing a viewer topurchase products shown in an entertainment program. The system includesmeans for storing in a database product information relating to aproduct shown in the entertainment program. Means are provided forreceiving from the viewer a request about the product shown in theentertainment program, the request containing a subset of the productinformation. Also included are means for identifying the productinformation in the database using the subset of the product information,and means for sending to the viewer the identified information about theproduct.

In another aspect, the invention includes a system for allowingentertainment program viewers to purchase products shown in anentertainment program. The system includes a remote terminal forentering product data about a product used in the entertainment program.A central controller, coupled to the remote terminal, receives andstores the entered product data from the remote terminal. An operatorterminal, coupled to the central controller, accesses from the centralcontroller information about the product used in the entertainmentprogram.

Both the foregoing general description and the following DetailedDescription are exemplary and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings provide a further understanding of theinvention and, together with the Detailed Description, explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the product sales system consistent withthe invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of central controller 110 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of remote terminal 150 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of operator terminal 140 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates sample records from program database 262 stored indata storage device 260 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates sample records from product database 263 stored indata storage device 260 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates sample records from vendor database 264 stored indata storage device 260 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 illustrates sample records from order database 265 stored in datastorage device 260 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram representing a method for the operation of,remote terminal 150 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram representing a method for processing data incentral controller 110 of FIG. 2; and

FIGS. 11 a-11 b are flow diagrams representing a method for processing aviewers' orders consistent with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Introduction

Systems consistent with this invention allow viewers of an entertainmentprogram to purchase products seen on these programs. The term“entertainment program,” as used in the specification, refers toprograms whose primary purpose is to entertain, and not to sell productsor services. Examples of “entertainment programs” include soap operas,sitcoms, dramas, sporting events, and movies. An entertainment programmay be transmitted over any transmission media, such as wirelesstransmission, cable, or the Internet, or stored on a storage media, suchas video tape or laser disk. Further, an entertainment program may bedisplayed on any broadcast media, such as television. The term “prop”refers to an item actually used on an entertainment program. The term“product” refers to merchandise similar to a prop. By similar it ismeant that the product is visually and/or functionally indistinguishablefrom the prop. The product may or not be the same brand and/or make andmodel of the prop, but will not be the actual prop used in the show.This includes but is not limited to clothing, furniture, electronicgoods, jewelry, cars, sporting goods and the like. The term product isnot restricted to physical goods, but also includes services such asvacations or tickets to sporting events or shows. Additionally, videosof the episode would also be available for sale through this service.

In one such system, a central controller stores information aboutproducts available for sale. Before an entertainment program isbroadcasted, viewers are shown a telephone number that they can call tofind out whether certain products used in the program are available forsale. Calling this telephone number connects viewers to an operator whoqueries them regarding products they are interested in purchasing. Theoperator then compares the information provided by the viewers withinformation stored in the central controller's database to identify theparticular products each viewer would each like to purchase. Thedatabase is organized to allow the operator to access information withonly a minimal amount of information describing the product. Theoperator may also provide viewers with information about products otherthan those the viewers asked about. If the viewers are interested inpurchasing a product at this point, an order is placed for the productthrough the operator.

System Organization

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 consistent with thepresent invention. System 100 includes a central controller 110, aviewer interface 120, a telephonic interactive voice response unit(IVRU) 130, a plurality of operator terminals 140, a plurality of remoteterminals 150, and a vendor facility 160. Although FIG. 1 shows threeoperator terminals 140 and three remote terminals 150, any number ofthese terminals may be connected to central controller 110. Similarly,one viewer interface 120 or multiple viewer interfaces 120 can accesseach operator terminal 140 through a corresponding IVRU 130. Centralcontroller 110 is linked to operator terminals 140, remote terminals150, and vendor facility 160 through communication links, such astelephone lines or other data communication lines. IVRU 130 is linked toviewer interface 120 by conventional telephone lines.

Central controller 110 receives product data and entertainment programdata from remote terminals 150 and stores this data in a memory, asdescribed below. Further, viewer interface 120 transmits a productrequest to a corresponding IVRU 130 and operator terminal 140, each ofwhich may be located in a call service center. The product requestdescribes a particular product of interest to the viewer, and anoperator at operator terminal 140 processes the product request.Terminal 140 then transmits program description data corresponding tothe request to central controller 110, which, after accessing theproduct and program data stored in its memory, transmits productidentification data back to operator terminal 140. This data is providedto viewer interface 120. If the viewer decides to purchases a product,controller 110 transmits product order data to vendor facility 160,which then routes the purchased product to the viewer.

Central controller 110 preferably includes a digital data processingunit programmed to execute unique functions and operations in accordancewith the principles of the invention. Such a digital data processingunit may include conventional hardware, such as the IBM RS 6000.Operator terminals 140 and remote terminals 150 are digital dataprocessing units, such as conventional personal computers configured tocarry out the functions and operations described below.

Viewer interface 120 preferably comprises a conventional touch-tonetelephone, although any device capable of transmitting messages may beemployed. In one embodiment viewer interface 120 comprises aconventional personal computer with a modem. The user connects tocentral controller 110 or operator terminal 140 via the Internet orother appropriate data communication channels.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of central controller110. Central controller 110 includes certain standard hardwarecomponents, such as central processing unit (CPU) 210, random accessmemory (RAM) 220, read only memory (ROM) 230, clock 240, communicationport 250, and data storage 260. CPU 210 is linked to each of the otherlisted elements. Communication port 250 interfaces central controller110 with operator terminal 140, remote terminal 150, and vendor facility160.

Central controller 110 executes one or more programs to perform thefunctions and operations described below, and stores several databasesof data relating to those functions and operations. These databasesinclude program database 262, product database 263, vendor database 264,and order database 265. The programs (described in reference to FIGS. 10and 11) are preferably stored in storage device 260 and executed by CPU210. Transaction processor 261 manages the storage and retrieval fromthe databases in data storage device 260. Transaction processor 261 maycomprise a separate conventional microprocessor, as shown in FIG. 2, ormay comprise a portion of the operating function of CPU 210.

Program database 262 provides a repository of information onentertainment programs on which products available for sale were used.By accessing the information stored in database 262, operator terminal140 can identify the particular entertainment program the viewer iscalling about. FIG. 5 shows a possible organization of database 262 withthe following fields for each program: program record number 510;network 515; class 520; program title 525; episode date and time 530;scene data 535; episode status 540; episode title 545; episode plot 550;and special characters 555. A manager of the system assigns programrecord number 510, which uniquely identifies a particular entertainmentprogram. In one embodiment, program record number 510 could correspondto a program identifying number used in the VCR Plus system. Scene datafield 535 includes information identifying a particular program scene inwhich a prop was used. A sitcom, for example, might have a scene datarecord describing the activity of the characters in the kitchen if theprop being sold is a kitchen utensil. The remaining fields areself-explanatory. Episode plot field 550 includes information describingthe plot of a particular episode of an entertainment program. Specialcharacters field 555 includes data representing, for example, guestcharacters or persons appearing in a particular episode. In alternativeembodiments, program database 262 includes fewer or more fields ofprogram information.

Product database 263 provides a table of information on products indexedby a program record number 610, which may be the same as program recordnumber 510. By accessing the information in product database 263,operator terminal 140 can identify the particular product that theviewer is interested in purchasing. As shown in FIG. 6, database 263preferably includes the following fields on each product offered forsale: program record number 610; product type 615; program identifyingdata 620; product identifying data 625; product description 630; vendor635; product cost 640; availability 645; and time code 650. Program andproduct identifying fields 620 and 625 include information that enablesthe identification of programs, and products offered for sale on theprograms, respectively. Such information describes characteristics ofthe entertainment programs and associated products. Thus, programidentifying data field 620 typically contains information similar toepisode plot field 550. Time code field 650 includes a range of timecode values corresponding to the time during which the respectiveproduct was displayed on the program. Product database 263 furtherincludes information about the type of product for sale (product type615), and retail information about the product description 630, vendor635, product cost 640, and availability 645. In practice, productdatabase 263 may include fewer or more fields for product information.

Vendor database 264 contains a table of information on the differentvendors who supply the products. This table is preferably indexed byvarious vendor names. The information stored in vendor database 264reflects information that central controller 110 can access aboutproduct vendors when placing orders. In other words, vendor database 264provides information that may be either provided to viewer interface 120or used while placing an order with a particular product vendor. FIG. 7shows a possible organization for vendor information containing thefollowing fields on each registered vendor: vendor name 710; vendoridentification number 715; products sold by the vendor 720; location ofthe vendor 725; and preferred methods of payment 730. The nature ofthese fields are self-explanatory. In alternative embodiments, vendordatabase 264 may include more or fewer fields.

Order database 265 includes a data file for each order placed by aviewer. FIG. 8 shows a possible organization of database 265 with thefollowing fields for each viewer: viewer name 810; viewer address 815;order tracking number 820; order date 825; order amount 830; productordered 835; product identification number 840; method of payment used845; shipping data 850; and vendor used 855 (same as vendor field 710).Product identification number 840 is preferably assigned by vendor 855.The nature of the remaining fields are self-explanatory. Order database265 may, however, include fewer or more fields for order information.

FIG. 3 shows the architecture of remote terminal 150 of system 100.Communication port 350 provides an interface for linking remote terminal150 to central controller 110. As shown in FIG. 3, remote terminal 150includes conventional computer components, including CPU 310, which isconnected to video driver 320, video terminal 322, data entry unit 324,RAM 330, ROM 340, communication port 350, and data storage device 360.Video terminal 322 is connected to CPU 310 through video driver 320.Data entry unit 324, shown to include a keyboard and a mouse, isconnected to CPU 310 for entering data. CPU 310 executes program modules(described in reference to FIG. 9) preferably stored in storage device360 to perform the functions and operations described below inconnection with remote terminal 150. Storage device 360 includestransaction processor 361, program database 362, and product database363.

With respect to data entry operations, remote terminal 150 operatesconventionally. A remote terminal operator enters into remote terminal110 program data for program database 362 and product data for productdatabase 363. Under control of a program stored, for example, in storagedevice 360 or ROM 340, CPU 310 formats the data for storage in programdatabase 362 and product database 363. Databases 362 and 363 are similarin organization to program database 262 of FIG. 5 and product database263 of FIG. 6, except that databases 362 and 363 contain informationentered in the remote terminal 150.

FIG. 4 shows the architecture of operator terminal 140 according to theinvention. Communication port 450 provides an interface for linkingoperator terminal 140 to central controller 110 and IVRU 130. As shownin FIG. 4, operator terminal 140 includes CPU 410 which is connected tovideo driver 420, video terminal 422, data entry unit 424, RAM 430, ROM440, and data storage device 460. These components may also beconventional. Video terminal 422 is connected to CPU 410 through videodriver 420. Data entry unit 424, shown to include a keyboard and amouse, is connected to CPU 410 for entering data. CPU 410 executesmodules stored in storage device 460 to perform functions and operationsdescribed below. Further, storage device 460 includes transactionprocessor 461 and order database 462. Database 462 comprises a subset oforder database 265 of FIG. 8, and includes order information generatedlocally by operator terminal 140.

System Operation

Two different aspects of the operation of system 100 will be described.First, system 100 operates to create the databases for the sale ofproducts. Second, system 100 operates using the databases to enableviewers to purchase products shown on an entertainment program

Creating the Databases

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating steps for entering program andproduct information into system 100. This data entry may be performedduring or after the filming or taping of an entertainment program. Asshown in FIG. 9, a remote terminal operator reviews the script of theentertainment program to determine which products will be offered forsale (step 910). According to one embodiment of the invention, theproducts sold are not the actual props used on the program, butsubstantially identical merchandise ordered from the particular productvendor.

In alternative embodiments, the actual props used on an entertainmentprogram are sold to viewers. The actual items used by celebrities oftenhave a significantly higher market value than identical, but new, items.Therefore, the price for the actual prop of an entertainment program maybe determined, for example, by an auction among the viewers in which theprop is sold to the highest bidder during a fixed period of time. In anauction, each viewer telephones IVRU 130 to place his bid with anoperator. Central controller 110 determines the winner of the auction byranking the viewer bids.

The remote terminal operator enters program data for storage in localprogram database 362 of remote terminal 150 (step 920) and product datafor storage in local product database 363 of remote terminal 150 (step930). Examples of types of program data and product data are shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. Remote terminal 150 transmits the data stored in programdatabase 362 and product database 363 to central controller 110 (step940). This may be done shortly after the remote terminal operator hasentered the data or at a specified time interval (e.g., once a week).

Once central controller 110 receives the transmitted data, controller110 processes and indexes the data. FIG. 10 illustrates one way whichcontroller 110 processes and indexes the data. As shown in FIG. 10,central controller 110 receives the data stored in program database 362and product database 363 from remote terminal 150 (step 1010). CPU 210processes the data and accesses the program and product databases 262and 263 from data storage device 260 (step 1020). Next, controller 110merges the program and product data received from remote terminal 150into the respective program and product databases 262 and 263 (step1030). Furthermore, controller 110 preferably merges program and productdata from a plurality of remote terminals 150, each remote terminal 150corresponding to a different entertainment program. Controller 110 thenassigns a program record number to each new program data file receivedfrom each remote terminal 150 (step 1040). Once the transaction iscompleted, the product data is indexed by the program record number(step 1050).

Purchasing a Product

FIGS. 11 a-11 b illustrate the process in which system 100 allows aviewer to purchase a product used in a broadcasted entertainmentprogram. An entertainment program is broadcast to a number of viewersusing conventional broadcast techniques (step 1105), such asover-the-air television broadcasts and cable transmission. The programmay also be played from a storage media, such as a video cassette or anoptical laser disc, upon which the program is recorded or stored. If theprogram is played from a storage media, the program may include astatement telling the viewer the date after which products shown on theprogram will no longer be available for purchase. When a viewer wishesto purchase a product displayed in the program, he calls the serviceusing viewer interface 120 and is connected to IVRU 130 (step 1110).

Various methods may be used to disseminate the telephone number of theservice to the viewers. In one embodiment of the invention, the providerof the program adds a text overlay to the entertainment program toprovide the viewer with the telephone number of the IVRU 130. Thetelephone number may be displayed either before the start of theentertainment program, at the end of the program, during a commercial;or during the program in a corner or along a side of the screen. Thetelephone number could also be made available in an entertainmentprogram listing, such as TV Guide. The telephone number may be an 800number, and the purchase price of a product is preferably charged to theviewer using either a credit card or personal check.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a 900 number is used as acommunication and/or a payment interface for purchasing the desiredproduct. In one such mode, the cost of the 900 number call is the costof the requested product plus a connection charge. When a viewer/callerhas confirmed an order using a standard IVRU interface or by talking toa live operator, the cost of the product is billed to his phone number.In another mode, the 900 number charges a service fee for the call plusa connection charge. Payment for the product is made in a conventionalmanner.

A time code may also be superimposed near the corner of the screen. Thetime code may be a running clock which is incremented as the program isbroadcasted. In this embodiment, time code field 650 in Product Database263 contains the values of the time code during which products weredisplayed on the program. By displaying the time code during the programbroadcast, the viewer can identify products by the time code valueindicated when the viewer noticed the product was shown.

IVRU 130 preferably includes a voice prompt system which asks the viewera series of questions to identify the particular program the viewer iscalling about, and the viewer responds by pressing the telephone keys(step 1115). For example, a viewer calling the service to order a suitan actor was wearing in a recent episode is queried by the IVRU 130 forthe following information: network identification (CBS, NBC, TNT, FOX,ABC, ESPN, USA), time of day (AM, PM) and episode time (8:00pm), date ofepisode (March 4) and name of show (Seinfeld). IVRU 130 transmits theresponses from the viewer interface 120 to central controller 110 (step1120). Central Controller 110 then transmits program description data tooperator terminal 140 (step 1125). In response, operator terminal 140receives product identification data from controller 110 (step 1130).Viewer interface 120's call is then transferred to a live operator (step1135) who, based upon the information received from controller 110, asksthe viewer further questions (perhaps even repeating the same questionsas necessary) to determine which product the viewer would like topurchase (step 1140).

In an alternative embodiment, the viewer does not have to know the nameof the program when describing the product to IVRU 130 or to the liveoperator. For example, the viewer could state “I don't know the name ofthe program, but a tall guy spilled coffee on something.” The operatorwould then perform a keyword search on databases 262 and 263, using thedescription given by the viewer. In this way, the particular product maybe identified without additional information from the viewer.

Continuing on FIGS. 11 b, the operator then accesses databases 262 and263 to find data on the particular product that the viewer would like topurchase (step 1145). Central controller 110 then outputs the data onthe particular product to the operator (step 1150). The operator, inturn, then provides product ordering information to viewer interface 120and requests payment for the product (step 1155). Once the operatorreceives the viewer's payment, for example, a credit or debit cardaccount number, the call is terminated (step 1160) and the order isplaced with vendor facility 160 (step 1165). Vendor facility 160 thensends the purchased product to the viewer (step 1170). Alternatively,the service could simply forward the call to the vendor once the producthas been identified and not process the order at all.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is practiced usingan Internet interface to the service central controller 110. In thisembodiment, a viewer connects to a service web page using conventionalweb browser software and enters show and product identifying informationin response to programmed queries. A conventional search engine searchesthe appropriate databases, retrieves the episode and product informationand displays a graphic presentation of the product. The viewer thenvisually identifies the product, and verifies electronically that theselection is correct. If the product selection was incorrect, the vieweris given the option to modify his search terms and submit a new query.Once the correct product is identified, the viewer purchases the productusing conventional payment methods, and it is shipped to him. Thisembodiment has the advantage of not requiring human agents to processorders.

Conclusion

Systems and methods consistent with the invention significantly increasethe financial revenue of an entertainment program by selling props orproducts used on the program. This added revenue may lessen theentertainment program's dependency on advertising, allowing greaterfreedom in the artistic content of the programs. Vendors may also bewilling to pay more to have their products shown on an entertainmentprogram due to the enhanced exposure associated with being on theprogram. To this end, systems consistent with the invention efficientlyassemble program and product data into databases accessed by a centralcontroller. Such data may be assembled, for example, for live broadcastentertainment programs, prerecorded (video tape) entertainment programs,or digital (laser disc) entertainment programs.

Systems and methods consistent with this invention also provide asimple, effective interface through which viewers may purchase productsof an entertainment program without special codes or product numbers toidentify the products. The viewer simply describes the entertainmentprogram that he was viewing, the particular scene in which the productwas used, or merchandise information to identify the particular product.Thus, there is no need for the viewer to know particular informationabout the product or prop itself. This provides added flexibility thatwill increase sales of those products by simplifying the orderingprocess. Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and methodwhich efficiently sells products used on an entertainment program.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the system and method of thepresent invention without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. The present invention covers the modifications and variationsof this invention provided they come within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

1-40. (canceled)
 41. A method, comprising: storing (i) descriptiveprogram information identifying a particular entertainment program inwhich a product is shown, and (ii) product information relating to theproduct shown in the particular entertainment program; receiving, fromthe viewer, a request about the product shown in the entertainmentprogram, the request comprising a subset of the descriptive programinformation and a subset of the product information; identifying theproduct information using the subset of the product information and thesubset of descriptive program information; and providing the identifiedinformation about the product to the viewer.
 42. The method of claim 41,wherein the request is received independent of a viewing of theentertainment program by the viewer.
 43. The method according to claim41, further comprising: placing an order with a vendor for the product.44. The method of claim 41, further including: identifying theparticular entertainment program using the subset of the descriptiveprogram information.
 45. The method of claim 41, wherein the descriptiveprogram information comprises: information about characters and a plotof the entertainment program.
 46. The method of claim 44, wherein thedescriptive program information further comprises: informationidentifying a portion of the entertainment program in which the productis shown.
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the descriptive programinformation further comprises: a count value that corresponds to a timethat the product is shown in the entertainment program.
 48. The methodof claim 41, further comprising: broadcasting the entertainment program.49. The method of claim 41, wherein the entertainment program comprisesa cable television program.
 50. The method of claim 41, wherein theentertainment program does not comprise advertisements.
 51. The methodof claim 41, wherein the request is received at least in part via atelephone communications network.
 52. The method of claim 51, whereinthe receiving comprises: automatically receiving the requestcommunicated during a telephone call from the viewer; and transferringthe telephone call to a live operator after the receipt of the request.53. The method of claim 51, further comprising: broadcasting a telephonenumber via which the request may be received via the telephonecommunications network.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein thetelephone number is broadcast prior to a broadcast of the entertainmentprogram.
 55. The method of claim 53, wherein the telephone number isbroadcast during a broadcast of the entertainment program.
 56. Themethod of claim 51, wherein a telephone number via which the request maybe received via the telephone communications network comprises a 900number.
 57. The method of claim 56, further comprising: automaticallybilling a telephone account of the viewer for a price associated with apurchase of the product.
 58. The method of claim 41, wherein the requestis received from a viewer device capable of telephonic communications.59. The method of claim 41, wherein the subset of the descriptiveprogram information comprises a viewer-defined description of theentertainment program.
 60. The method of claim 41, wherein the subset ofthe descriptive program information comprises an indication of a titleof the entertainment program.
 61. The method of claim 41, wherein thesubset of the descriptive program information comprises an indication ofan episode of the entertainment program.
 62. The method of claim 41,wherein the subset of the descriptive program information comprises adescription of a scene of the entertainment program.
 63. The method ofclaim 41, wherein the subset of the descriptive program informationcomprises a description of a plot of the entertainment program.
 64. Themethod of claim 41, wherein the subset of the descriptive programinformation comprises an indication of a special character appearing onthe entertainment program.
 65. The method of claim 41, wherein theidentifying comprises: processing a keyword search on the subset of thedescriptive program information; identifying, based on the processing,the entertainment program; and identifying, based on the identifying ofthe entertainment program and on the subset of the product information,the product.
 66. The method of claim 41, wherein the identifiedinformation about the product comprises an indication of a price of theproduct.
 67. The method of claim 41, wherein the identified informationabout the product comprises an indication of an availability of theproduct.
 68. The method of claim 41, wherein the identified informationabout the product comprises a graphic presentation of the product. 69.The method of claim 41, wherein the subset of the product informationcomprises an indication of a time code associated with when the productis used during the entertainment program.
 70. The method of claim 41,wherein the entertainment program comprises a sporting event.
 71. Themethod of claim 41, wherein the entertainment program comprises a soapopera.
 72. The method of claim 41, wherein the entertainment programcomprises a sit-com.
 73. The method of claim 41, wherein theentertainment program comprises a movie.
 74. The method of claim 41,wherein the request is received from a mobile terminal.
 75. The methodof claim 74, wherein the mobile terminal is capable of at least one oftelephonic and Internet communications.
 76. A method, comprising:storing descriptive program information identifying a particularentertainment program; storing product information relating to a productshown in the particular entertainment program; receiving, from a viewer,a request associated with the product shown in the particularentertainment program, the request comprising a subset of thedescriptive program information and a subset of the product information;conducting a first database search to identify the particularentertainment program using the subset of the descriptive programinformation; conducting a second database search to identify the storedproduct information using the subset of the product information; andcommunicating to the viewer the identified information about theproduct.
 77. The method of claim 76, wherein the request is receivedindependent of a viewing of the entertainment program by the viewer. 78.The method of claim 76, wherein the subset of the descriptive programinformation comprises a viewer-defined description of the entertainmentprogram.
 79. A method, comprising: receiving, independent of a viewingof an entertainment program by a viewer, an indication of theentertainment program; receiving a request about a product shown in theentertainment program; transmitting a query to a database relating tothe request, the query based on the indication and the request; andreceiving from the database product information about the product. 80.The method of claim 79, further comprising: conveying the receivedproduct information to the viewer.
 81. The method of claim 79, whereinthe indication of the entertainment program comprises an entertainmentprogram recording identifier.
 82. The method of claim 81, wherein theentertainment program recording identifier comprises a VCR Plus+®recording identifier.
 83. The method of claim 79, further comprising:placing an order with a vendor for the product.
 84. The method of claim79, wherein the indication of the entertainment program comprises adescription of the entertainment program.
 85. The method of claim 84,wherein the description of the entertainment program comprises:information about characters and a plot of the entertainment program.86. The method of claim 84, wherein the description of the entertainmentprogram comprises: information identifying a portion of theentertainment program in which the product is shown.
 87. The method ofclaim 86, wherein the description of the entertainment program comprisesfurther comprises: a count value that corresponds to a time that theproduct is shown in the entertainment program.
 88. The method of claim84, wherein the description of the entertainment program comprises aviewer-defined description of the entertainment program.
 89. The methodof claim 84, wherein the description of the entertainment programcomprises an indication of a title of the entertainment program.
 90. Themethod of claim 84, wherein the description of the entertainment programcomprises an indication of an episode of the entertainment program. 91.The method of claim 84, wherein the description of the entertainmentprogram comprises a description of a scene of the entertainment program.92. The method of claim 84, wherein the description of the entertainmentprogram comprises a description of a plot of the entertainment program.93. The method of claim 84, wherein the description of the entertainmentprogram comprises an indication of a special character appearing on theentertainment program.
 94. The method of claim 79, wherein at least oneof the indication of the entertainment program and the request isreceived from a viewer device capable of telephonic communications. 95.A method, comprising: storing, at a controller, program identifying datathat describes one or more characteristics of an entertainment programand product identifying data that describes one or more characteristicsof a product used in the entertainment program; receiving, at thecontroller and from a viewer of the entertainment program, a purchaserequest comprising an indication of a subset of the program identifyingdata and an indication of a subset of the product identifying data;identifying, by the controller and based on the received indications,the program identifying data and the product identifying data;providing, after the identifying, and to the viewer, the productidentifying data; receiving, after the providing, a verification thatthe viewer desires to purchase the product; and selling the product tothe viewer.
 96. A mobile terminal comprising: a viewer interface viawhich a viewer may purchase a product shown in a particularentertainment program; and a controller operatively coupled to theviewer interface and adapted to: store (i) descriptive programinformation identifying the particular entertainment program in whichthe product is shown, and (ii) product information relating to theproduct shown in the particular entertainment program; receive, from theviewer, a request about the product shown in the entertainment program,the request comprising a subset of the descriptive program informationand a subset of the product information; identify the productinformation using the subset of the product information and the subsetof descriptive program information; and provide the identifiedinformation about the product to the viewer.
 97. A mobile terminalcomprising: a viewer interface via which a viewer may purchase a productshown in a particular entertainment program; and a controlleroperatively coupled to the viewer interface and adapted to: storedescriptive program information identifying the particular entertainmentprogram; store product information relating to the product shown in theparticular entertainment program; receive, from the viewer, a requestassociated with the product shown in the particular entertainmentprogram, the request comprising a subset of the descriptive programinformation and a subset of the product information; conduct a firstdatabase search to identify the particular entertainment program usingthe subset of the descriptive program information; conduct a seconddatabase search to identify the stored product information using thesubset of the product information; and communicate to the viewer theidentified information about the product.
 98. A mobile terminalcomprising: a viewer interface via which a viewer may purchase a productshown in an entertainment program; and a controller operatively coupledto the viewer interface and adapted to: receive, independent of aviewing of the entertainment program by the viewer, an indication of theentertainment program; receive a request about the product shown in theentertainment program; transmit a query to a database relating to therequest, the query based on the indication and the request; and receivefrom the database product information about the product.
 99. A mobileterminal comprising: a viewer interface via which a viewer may purchasea prop used in an entertainment program; and a controller operativelycoupled to the viewer interface and adapted to: receive, independent ofa viewing of the entertainment program by the viewer, an indication ofthe entertainment program; receive a request about the prop used in theentertainment program; transmit a query to a database relating to therequest, the query based on the indication and the request; and receivefrom the database product information about the prop.
 100. A mobileterminal comprising: a viewer interface via which a viewer may purchasea product shown in an entertainment program; and a controlleroperatively coupled to the viewer interface and adapted to: storeprogram identifying data that describes one or more characteristics ofthe entertainment program and product identifying data that describesone or more characteristics of the product used in the entertainmentprogram; receive, from the viewer, a purchase request comprising anindication of a subset of the program identifying data and an indicationof a subset of the product identifying data; identify, based on thereceived indications, the program identifying data and the productidentifying data; provide, after the identifying, and to the viewer, theproduct identifying data; receive, after the providing, a verificationthat the viewer desires to purchase the product; and sell the product tothe viewer.
 101. A system, comprising: a database storing datadescriptive of an entertainment program and data descriptive of aproduct used in the entertainment program; a viewer interface operableto provide a first indication of a subset of the descriptive programdata and a second indication of a subset of the descriptive productdata; and a controller, coupled to the database and the viewerinterface, the controller being operable to: receive the first andsecond indications; identify the descriptive program data and thedescriptive product data based on the first and second indications; andprovide, after the identifying, the descriptive program data and thedescriptive product data to the viewer interface.
 102. The system ofclaim 101, further comprising: a remote terminal coupled to thecontroller, the remote terminal being operable to facilitate reviewingof the entertainment program, wherein the reviewing defines thedescriptive program data and the descriptive product data.
 103. Thesystem of claim 102, wherein the remote terminal comprises: means fordefining the descriptive program data and the descriptive product data,wherein the descriptive product data comprises information identifyinghow the product is used in the entertainment program; and means fortransmitting the descriptive program data and the descriptive productdata to the controller.
 104. The system of claim 101, wherein thecontroller comprises: an Interactive Voice Response Unit (IVRU) operableto receive the first and second indications.
 105. A system, comprising:a processor; and a storage device in communication with said processorand storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to:store (i) descriptive program information identifying a particularentertainment program in which a product is shown, and (ii) productinformation relating to the product shown in the particularentertainment program; receive, from the viewer, a request about theproduct shown in the entertainment program, the request comprising asubset of the descriptive program information and a subset of theproduct information; identify the product information using the subsetof the product information and the subset of descriptive programinformation; and provide the identified information about the product tothe viewer.
 106. A system comprising: a user interface via which a usermay purchase a product shown in a particular entertainment program; anda controller operatively coupled to the user interface and adapted to:store (i) descriptive program information identifying the particularentertainment program in which the product is shown, and (ii) productinformation relating to the product shown in the particularentertainment program; receive, from the user, a request about theproduct shown in the entertainment program, the request comprising asubset of the descriptive program information and a subset of theproduct information; identify the product information using the subsetof the product information and the subset of descriptive programinformation; and provide the identified information about the product tothe user.
 107. A system, comprising: a processor; and a storage devicein communication with said processor and storing instructions adapted tobe executed by said processor to: store descriptive program informationidentifying a particular entertainment program; store productinformation relating to a product shown in the particular entertainmentprogram; receive, from a viewer, a request associated with the productshown in the particular entertainment program, the request comprising asubset of the descriptive program information and a subset of theproduct information; conduct a first database search to identify theparticular entertainment program using the subset of the descriptiveprogram information; conduct a second database search to identify thestored product information using the subset of the product information;and communicate to the viewer the identified information about theproduct.
 108. A system comprising: a user interface via which a user maypurchase a product shown in a particular entertainment program; and acontroller operatively coupled to the user interface and adapted to:store descriptive program information identifying the particularentertainment program; store product information relating to the productshown in the particular entertainment program; receive, from the user, arequest associated with the product shown in the particularentertainment program, the request comprising a subset of thedescriptive program information and a subset of the product information;conduct a first database search to identify the particular entertainmentprogram using the subset of the descriptive program information; conducta second database search to identify the stored product informationusing the subset of the product information; and communicate to the userthe identified information about the product.
 109. A system, comprising:a processor; and a storage device in communication with said processorand storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to:receive, independent of a viewing of an entertainment program by aviewer, an indication of the entertainment program; receive a requestabout a product shown in the entertainment program; transmit a query toa database relating to the request, the query based on the indicationand the request; and receive from the database product information aboutthe product.
 110. A system comprising: a user interface via which a usermay purchase a product shown in an entertainment program; and acontroller operatively coupled to the user interface and adapted to:receive, independent of a viewing of the entertainment program by theuser, an indication of the entertainment program; receive a requestabout the product shown in the entertainment program; transmit a queryto a database relating to the request, the query based on the indicationand the request; and receive from the database product information aboutthe product.